Chapter Ninety-Six: The Seven of the Azure Society

In a residence in the southern city, dozens of burly men were training in the courtyard, their shouts echoing in unison. Inside the main house, a large table was spread with a simple map of the city, bristling with tiny flags. Seven men stood around the map, engaged in heated debate—among them were Dao Bai Liu, Hong Yunshan, and other former members of the Qinghuo Gang.

That night, Dao Bai Liu and Yang Cheng spoke at length, deep into the small hours, their knees almost touching as they conversed intimately. Yang Cheng recounted the rise and fall of countless gangs, dissecting the charisma and flaws of their leaders. Though Dao Bai Liu had never heard such tales before, he felt greatly enlightened, his ambitions stoked. As Young Master Yang had said, “Take others as your mirror, and history as your guide.” Dao Bai Liu resolved to visit the Yang family more often, to seek counsel from Yang Cheng regarding the revitalization of their gang.

Upon his return, Dao Bai Liu generously shared all he had learned with his six companions. Sometimes, they were stirred by the heroic histories of the gangs; at other times, they lamented their decline and demise. Yang Cheng’s insightful commentary left them both enlightened and uneasy, for when they reflected on themselves, each found minor flaws that might, in the end, prove fatal, just as they had for others.

Hong Yunshan sighed, “If only Young Master Yang had ambitions to found a gang, we would have no part to play. Sadly, his aspirations lie elsewhere.”

Dao Bai Liu replied, “Yang Cheng’s ambitions are vast, far beyond our reach. We must focus on revitalizing our own gang, lest we squander this opportunity.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Dan Youxin said, “Now that Dao Bai Liu has become our leader, it seems inappropriate to continue calling ourselves the Qinghuo Gang. I heard Young Master Yang had much to say about the so-called ‘Qing Gang.’ Why don’t we drop the ‘huo’ and keep only ‘Qing,’ calling ourselves the Qing Gang? ‘Qing’ retains the meaning of the old name, so our brothers won’t feel estranged, and it will also remind us of the cautionary tales of rise and fall.”

Dao Bai Liu said, “Well said, Brother Youxin. I agree.”

Hong Yunshan stroked his beard and nodded, “Indeed, ‘Qing Gang’ is a fine name.”

Mo Jing, Tian Xi, and the others voiced their approval.

Dao Bai Liu continued, “Since the Qing Gang is founded, our first task is to rally our members. Hong Yunshan, you will serve as deputy leader. I am not skilled in managing the affairs of the gang, so I will rely on you.”

Hong Yunshan responded solemnly, “Rest assured, leader. I will not fail in my duties.” Though Dao Bai Liu was now the leader, he showed proper respect to his comrades, winning their loyalty—far more so than the former leader, Song Qinghuo.

“Brother Youxin, your reputation for chivalry is well-known. Many are honored to associate with you. You will serve as our ‘straw sandal’—liaison inside and outside the gang, forging friendships and recruiting skilled allies. Whenever you need funds, see Hong Yunshan.”

Dan Youxin nodded, moved, and clasped his hands in respect. “I obey the leader’s orders.”

Dao Bai Liu went on, “Brother Youxin, from now on, act freely. Don’t worry as you did before, when you had to tiptoe around. I, Hong Yunshan, and the others trust you completely.”

“Rest assured, leader. I will give my utmost,” Dan Youxin replied, deeply touched. He recalled how, when Song Qinghuo was in charge, he dared not get too close to others, fearing the leader’s suspicion.

“Brother Jing, you are strict and upright. You shall serve as the elder of enforcement, selecting brothers to form a punishment squad. They will uphold discipline in peace and oversee order in battle. From myself down, anyone who violates the rules will be subject to the squad’s authority.”

Mo Jing replied, “I accept the leader’s command. Please rest assured.”

“Brother Zhi, your mind is sharp. Choose clever and capable brothers to gather intelligence and spy for us. I grant you a special privilege: taverns are excellent places for gathering information. When the time comes, announce the Qing Gang’s name, and most taverns in the city—the waiters will tell you whatever they know. Young Master Yang has already spoken with the proprietors.”

Zhou Zhi was delighted. “I will obey, leader. Zhou Zhi will fulfill this task.”

“Brother Xi, Brother Nong, you two are always fierce, leading every fight. You will be our left and right guardians. Once our members are assembled, each of you will lead a squad, focusing on training and combat. Young Master Yang will arrange for Yan Shuihan to come and help drill our formations.”

Tian Xi and Zhao Younong clasped their hands in joy. “Excellent! Those little ones who only fool around all day will finally get some proper training. We suffered plenty in formation drills back then—now it’s time for other gangs to taste it.”

Everyone laughed, feeling no shame but eager for the challenge.

Dan Youxin added, “So Yan Shuihan is coming? Ha! I was too careless that day and ended up frozen by him—I’ll have a proper match with him this time.”

Dao Bai Liu laughed. “You might not have much time for that, Brother Youxin—you’re likely to be the busiest among us. Everyone, look here.”

Dao Bai Liu pointed to the flags on the map. “The closest territory is held by the Baisha Gang. The other seven major gangs are farther away and less familiar. But Baisha Gang is an established force; everyone here knows them. They have more than five hundred members, occupying hundreds of streets—not weak by any means.”

“Their leader, Li Xiangqun, is not especially strong, but his lieutenant, Duan Yuanqing, wields twin blades and is a famous fighter. None of us could defeat him alone—we’d need numbers.”

“Our most urgent task is to gather and reassure our members, striving for unity. But that’s not enough. Our treasury holds only thirty thousand spirit coins, though Young Master Yang has generously provided another two hundred thousand. These two hundred thirty thousand coins will be managed by Hong Yunshan. We should reach out to every skilled ally we know, bringing them into the fold. When Song Qinghuo was in charge, we couldn’t do this—now, we are free. We can recruit by bonds of loyalty or promises of reward. The more capable allies we have, the greater our chances.”

“Also, Brother Youxin should visit the smaller neighboring gangs. If we can recruit them without fighting, do so. Each small gang may have few members, but together they’re significant. Some hidden talents may be among them. This is the beginning of our enterprise—we must be inclusive and focus on the greater cause. If there are grudges from the past, let them go; resolve them if possible.”

Everyone listened with admiration, nodding in agreement.

“Young Master Yang said, ‘Unite all forces that can be united.’ Our priority is to grow strong; personal grievances are insignificant in the face of greater matters. That is the key to achieving great things. Only then will people feel safe to join us. This task is heavy, and Brother Youxin will need to persuade many. So, Brother Youxin may be the busiest.”

Everyone clasped their hands to Dan Youxin, expressing their gratitude. Only now did they realize how vital he was—Song Qinghuo’s suspicious nature had kept him from reaching his potential.

Dan Youxin saw the trust in his comrades’ eyes and felt a surge of heroic spirit. He thumped his chest. “Rest assured, brothers, I will not fail you.”

“Everyone else must also hurry to gather their former followers. Visit friends on the street—if anyone is particularly talented but reluctant to join, Hong Yunshan and I will personally invite them, with respect. We will do our best.”

Dao Bai Liu finished speaking, and all were convinced. Hong Yunshan said, “You command with wisdom and order; only today do I realize your true ability. No wonder Young Master Yang valued you so highly.”

Everyone agreed, delighted to follow such a leader—no need to worry about accomplishing great deeds.

Dao Bai Liu replied modestly, “Hong Yunshan praises me too highly; we must all work hard together.”

“It’s our duty, leader,” they responded.

“We are still far behind the eight major gangs. Though Young Master Yang’s people are willing to help secretly, we should not use that trump card unless absolutely necessary. If we wish to compete with other gangs, we must first defeat Baisha Gang and enter the heart of the southern city—only then can we contend with the others. If we cannot move the boulder at our doorstep, we will be looked down upon, and the Qing Gang’s strength will not be shown. So, I do not plan to call on Young Master Yang’s men for now. What do you all think?”

Zhao Younong, always bold and combative, exclaimed, “Leader is right. If we can’t defeat Baisha Gang ourselves, we appear incompetent.”

Everyone agreed.

Dao Bai Liu saw their unity and readiness, and his spirits soared. He declared, “Today, the Qing Gang is newly founded. Brothers, let us advance hand in hand, live and die together, and achieve great things. We shall become the renowned Seven of the Qing Gang!”

“Good!”

“Leader, what does ‘Seven’ mean?”

“Young Master Yang said that long ago, in the east, there was a small island with a formidable organization led by seven people, known as the ‘Seven.’ Each was legendary, and their reputation was awe-inspiring.”

“Excellent! We will be the Seven of the Qing Gang, and one day all of South City will respect us.”

…